Bethany Garretson   | Assistant Program Manager | Mountain Lake Academy | Learn More                   

As the final days of summer painted the landscape in warm hues, life at Mountain Lake Academy continued its steady rhythm of growth and learning. Nestled within this idyllic setting, Phase Leader Marcia Flyte, along with her Phase One Mountain View students, nurtured a flourishing garden. Four raised garden beds stood proudly, bursting with the vibrant colors of cherry tomatoes, hanging like sweet rubies, ready to fall at the slightest touch. A graceful monarch butterfly danced on the late summer breeze, adding its ephemeral beauty to the scene. At Mountain Lake Academy, these simple moments were woven into a broader tapestry of education—one that bridged the gap between the classroom and the earth.

In the shadow of Brookview Hill, a group of students worked side by side with Facilities Director Brian Shade on a siding project. Brian had been an integral part of the Mountain Lake community since 2014. Over the years, he had not only maintained buildings but had also guided students through a myriad of projects, including the ambitious Brookview Beautification Project. This endeavor encompassed everything from the meticulous process of siding to the precise trimming and the final flourish of paint.

“I think the benefit of completing any project,” Brian reflected, “is to experience the feeling of accomplishment. Whether they are building something new or improving something old. The students who are involved from start to finish can walk past that project every day and know that it's done because of their efforts. It teaches them follow-through, time management, and work ethics.”

For the students at Mountain Lake Academy, life was a mosaic of opportunities and lessons. In the midst of tending gardens and painting buildings, they were not only gaining practical skills but also discovering the profound sense of satisfaction that comes with a job well done. These moments of accomplishment were not just markers of the passing summer; they were stepping stones on the path to a brighter future.